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Sunday, January 21, 2018

A Softer Shadow Stamp

So these two cards are vibrant and bold, but today's card uses the same old Hero Arts shadow stamp but with a completely different technique, and the results are soft and natural.

The background came from a very simple technique using Memento ink and markers. First, I inked the whole stamp with new sprout (a very pale green), then tapped bamboo leaves and cottage green markers all over it. After spritzing the stamp generously with water, I moved the stamp around to blend the inks, and then stamped it on Tim Holtz watercolor paper. To maximize the color, I weighted the stamp on the paper for a few minutes while the watery ink was absorbed by the paper. (I learned that trick from a Jennifer McGuire video.)

Once the panel was dry, I stamped leaves in embossing ink and sprinkled with pearl embossing powder. The embossing effect is subtle, but oh so pretty!

I liked the whole effect so much, I decided not to add a sentiment.

Hopefully, you had as relaxing and creative a weekend as I did! It's been fun reading your comments and emails on my last post, and I'm going to respond in the next few days. Dave Barry, the humor writer, said there's a fine line between mental illness and hobby...and I think he's right!